India’s Shocking Violation: 90% of Chenab River Flow Blocked Under Indus Waters Treaty Breach

India violates Indus Waters Treaty—a grave concern that has sent shockwaves through diplomatic and environmental circles. By blocking up to 90% of the Chenab River flow to Pakistan, India has not only breached a decades-old international agreement but also endangered the water security of millions of Pakistanis.

According to video footage and satellite analysis shared online, water levels at Pakistan’s Head Marala have dropped drastically. From 87,000 cusecs two days ago, levels have plunged to just 4,300 cusecs—a mere trickle compared to normal flow.

What Is the Indus Waters Treaty?

Signed in 1960 under the World Bank’s supervision, the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) allocates the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India and the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan.

India is permitted limited use of western river waters for domestic, agricultural, and hydroelectric purposes, without obstructing natural flow. Blocking or diverting these waters, therefore, constitutes a serious violation of international law.

Read More about Indus Waters Treaty on World Bank

India Blocks Chenab River Flow: A Dangerous Precedent

India has reportedly restricted water from the Baglihar Dam, causing an alarming reduction in outflow. Pakistani irrigation officials say the situation is unprecedented.

“India’s manipulation of Chenab River is a direct threat to our water rights,” said a senior Pakistani water commissioner.

This not only disrupts agricultural irrigation, but also threatens hydropower generation and drinking water supplies.

Chenab River Flow Drops by 90% at Head Marala

Historically, the Chenab River has maintained a minimum flow of 25,000 to 30,000 cusecs at Head Marala. However, recent data shows a staggering 90% drop, now registering only 4,300 cusecs.

Image: Chenab River Flow Drastically Reduced (Alt Text: India violates Indus Waters Treaty)

Such low levels have never been observed during this season and could devastate rice, wheat, and sugarcane crops in Pakistan’s Punjab province.

India’s Ravi River Strategy: A Long-Term Disruption

India’s interference is not limited to the Chenab. Since 2001, three dams on the Ravi River have diverted water, reducing Pakistan’s access by 75%. Today, Ravi runs dry most of the year, only flowing during monsoons.

This long-term manipulation has crippled agriculture in Pakistani regions dependent on Ravi’s waters. It’s a silent war of attrition through hydrological means.

Kishanganga Project: Jhelum River in Jeopardy

India is expanding reservoir capacity in Kashmir, particularly around the Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project, which diverts water from the Jhelum River—a vital western river under Pakistan’s share.

Pakistan has already challenged the Kishanganga Project in international arbitration, winning partial concessions. Yet, recent developments suggest India may once again act unilaterally, risking a second violation.

“The Kishanganga move is a ticking time bomb,” said a former IWT negotiator.

Geopolitical Implications and Regional Instability

Water is fast becoming the most contentious issue between nuclear-armed neighbors. India’s decision to suspend cooperation under the treaty—especially after military skirmishes—could escalate into a full-blown hydro-political crisis.

Such actions not only damage bilateral trust but threaten peace across South Asia. With climate change exacerbating water scarcity, disputes like this could turn deadly.

India-Pakistan Water Dispute – The Diplomat

Conclusion: Need for Global Mediation

India’s actions, including blocking Chenab River flow and threatening Jhelum waters via the Kishanganga Project, amount to a systematic breach of the Indus Waters Treaty.

Pakistan has the right to seek legal and diplomatic recourse through the International Court of Arbitration and United Nations. Global institutions must step in before the situation spirals into an environmental and geopolitical disaster.

Water should be a tool for cooperation, not confrontation.

References

• World Bank on Indus Waters Treaty
• Kishanganga Dispute Background – International Court of Arbitration
• India-Pakistan Water Conflict – The Diplomat
• NDTV Coverage on Baglihar Dam